What will you stop doing?

When we think about our goals or how to become better, we often think about what more we will do to get us there. We never really consider what we will stop doing. Stopping the things that weigh you down is important too. Here’s where to start;

Create a stop doing list: What have you been doing ‘forever’ that is no longer relevant or does not serve your goals? Poor habits like procrastination, or even ‘just passing’ time. Focus on what matters, what has long term relevance and leave out things you have been doing ‘just for the sake of it’.

Cut out what distracts you: What are the things that ‘eat’ up your time with nothing in return? What friendships keep you stagnant in the same place year in year out? What routine things that look ‘harmless’ are undermining your ability to focus? Do an inventory; track how you spend your time and be honest about not only what is a poor use of time but also what does not add any value to you.

Ditch small minded conversations: The mind is a powerful thing. If you feed it good information, it’ll serve you well. If not, you’ll see the fruits of that too come out. Small conversations are the ones that have no purpose in them, focus on complaining or don’t challenge your thinking in any way. Of course, you’ll have chit chat here and there but if these are your main conversations; you might want to consider including in your network people who will engage you in some agenda setting stimulating discussions.

Avoid situations that keep you stagnated: You gamble with your career when you keep yourself in situations that diminish your potential, where you are no longer learning anything new or where future opportunities are very scarce. If you must remain in such situations, make sure you have other creative outlets to keep your career prospects positive.

Now take action:  Decide this week one thing you will stop doing .